How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the convenient access it creates to your backyard retreat and the plentiful natural light it welcomes in. These entrances are valuable aspects of any Riverside property, but also come with security concerns. Discover why they’re preferred by burglars and what you should do to stop unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Riverside

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are a couple of straightforward explanations. First and foremost, they are typically designed more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually easy to bypass. Intruders also have a a greater likelihood of approaching without being seen as the doors are typically at the back of your residence. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

When experiencing pleasant temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding patio door may be the most-utilized entry at your home. You might fall into a routine of keeping it unlatched so your children can effortlessly access the backyard. Even when you fasten the door, burglars can get around it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Thieves are more prone to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. Some sliding doors use thin glass that’s not hard to smash.
• Pry the door from its track. Criminals might try to pry the door out of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or another implement so they can squeeze through.

Although it’s easy to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. See what you might do.

Better defend your Riverside home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of the most susceptible entrances in your Riverside residence, here’s how you can.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When would-be invaders spot video cameras, they’ll most likely try to find an easier target. They won’t want to be captured on camera. You can even find surveillance tools that actively scare off thieves with sound and lights.
• Use security sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted guest starts to come in or shatter the window. Modern systems will even alert you with communications to your home security smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and simple to secure. You might also incorporate a sturdy, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a security bar. A security bar is a simple solution that adds an additional layer to your defense. These are typically solid wood or metal reinforcements placed within the lower door track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a secure fit.

Open the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Riverside

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a comprehensive smart home in Riverside from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If anything trips, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be informed right away. Contact (951) 477-3741 today to learn more and book your professional installation.